In solidarity with sex workers, adopt a motion in your union !

Activists from the Sex Work Autonomous Committee (SWAC) are currently leading a union solidarity campaign.

In Québec, several unions have historically taken anti–sex work positions and actively advocated for the criminalization of clients and third parties. Rather than standing in solidarity with other workers fighting for better working conditions, these positions have reinforced a form of class contempt — framing us as victims to be saved rather than workers exploited like any on
ther unionized worker.

Support SWAC's solidarity campain by bringing this motion in your union's instances!

Once it's adopted, share the motion on different platforms and send us the motion so we can also share it.
Motion exemple

We believe it is necessary for union federations—particularly the CSN—to revisit their position on sex work. Sex work, like all forms of labor under capitalism, is a form of exploitation, and it is through unionizing that workers can improve their working conditions.

Members of the Sex Work Autonomous Committee (SWAC) are carrying out a campaign within massage parlors and strip clubs to organize workers against violence and for the respect of their rights. In this context, it is more necessary than ever for union federations to offer their support.

This proposal is not merely symbolic. It is part of a broader campaign to have the same resolution adopted by multiple local unions and brought forward to regional and sectoral bodies. Our goal is to bring about a cultural shift within the CSN and, more broadly, within major union federations—so that we can count on their support in our own efforts to organize within our workplaces.

Considering that sex work is work;

Considering that sex workers are actively organizing within their workplaces, such as strip clubs and massage parlors, devising strategies and means of pressure and mobilization to shift the balance of power with employers;

Considering that many sex workers hold unionized second jobs, such as nurses, teachers, and social workers, thus forming part of the union base;

Considering that the criminalization and surveillance of the sex industry hinders the political and collective organization of sex workers; worsens their working conditions and makes them increasingly precarious;

Considering that recognizing sex work as work is the first step towards negotiating better conditions and enabling workers to enforce their rights through existing legal mechanisms;

Be it resolved that: 

  • CREW supports all initiatives by sex workers aimed at organizing for better working conditions;
  • CREW will continue to refrain from funding anti-sex work initiatives and will pressure its regional and sectoral bodies to do the same;
  • CREW’s Communications Officer will publicly share the adoption of this resolution, including on the union’s instagram and website;
  • CREW will exert pressure on the FNEEQ, CCMM, and CSN to adopt this mandate.